“What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
-Henry David Thoreau

“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.”
-Barbara Ward

As the weather warms up it may be time for spring cleaning. While this may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, it’s important to pay attention to the products you use and how you clean your house. Cleaning products can be toxic and harm both you and the ocean, so it’s best to think blue when making your house shine.

by storebukkebruse, flickr user tunsnelda

Have a safe spring cleaning.

Some cleaning supplies are toxic and dangerous to all forms of life and harm humans and aquatic creatures alike. When they go down the drain they can end up in the ocean and hurt the life there. Buying healthier cleaners can improve indoor air quality and reduce water pollution. The EPA has a guide for greener products and you can also buy green cleaning products here.
Don’t be fooled in April.

While you can buy green cleaning supplies you can make them too, for cheap! You can clean the house with items you already have, such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. For natural cleaning recipes you can check out this handy list.

Quick tip: You can also save money by ditching paper towels and cleaning with newspapers and rags instead. You produce less waste and don’t have to buy anything extra!

by Geir Halvorsen, flickr user damiel

Hang bad habits out to dry.

You can do this literally by drying your clothes outside and saving energy. But it’s also a good time to ditch bad cleaning habits. One idea: invest in green rechargeable batteries that save money over time and help the planet!

The Seas the Day initiative encourages and empowers people to take ocean conservation personally. Each month, we feature a new conservation theme with ways to help so come back regularly for more ocean-helping ideas and tips!

Created mainly to support our partner ZAMs (Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums and other visitor-serving organizations involved in our growing network) in motivating conservation action, Seas the Day is for you to tailor for your own purposes. Please use any or all of the content verbatim and re-post on your own blog, social media channels, website, newsletter, etc. We have a large database of action tips and related content for you to use so let us know what’s most helpful and what other action-able types of information and resources we can provide to enhance your conservation efforts.

cover photo by: Stephane Rossignol flickr user boldorak